Officials Visit Kajo-Keji Displacement Sites After SSPDF-UPDF Border Clashes

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – A high level delegation of South Sudanese government and security officials visited displaced communities in Kajo-Keji County on Saturday to assess the humanitarian impact of recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which have left over 1,000 households displaced.

Led by Kajo-Keji County Commissioner and County Security Committee Chair, Hon. Wani Jackson Mule, the delegation toured areas affected by the violence to gather firsthand information and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to their welfare.

The visit came just days after armed confrontations erupted on 28th July 2025 in Nyainga-Muda village, where a local SSPDF detachment reportedly came under attack from UPDF forces.

The violence forced entire communities to flee. Internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of them women, children and the elderly have taken shelter in six sites across the county. These include Logo and Sokare under the Episcopal Diocese of Liwolo in Liwolo Payam, and Mereguga, Bori Primary and Secondary School, Wota-Kujong, and Sunyu located in Bori Boma of Kangapo II Payam.

Among the displaced are three unaccompanied children who were separated from their families during the chaos. Two are currently under the care of the Episcopal Diocese of Kajo-Keji in Romogi, while one has found temporary refuge with a neighbour in Sunyu.

Community members and officials have linked the incident to individuals reportedly from Uganda’s Yumbe District. Local elders noted that the attack happened as preparations were being made for a cross-border dialogue organised by Ugandan authorities in Yumbe, further complicating the already tense situation.

Hon. Wani Jackson Mule used the visit to urge displaced families to remain calm and avoid retaliation. He stressed that all levels of government including local, state and national were actively engaged in diplomatic discussions and coordinating humanitarian relief. He encouraged communities to share available resources while awaiting additional support.

SSPDF Area Commander Brigadier General Henry Buri expressed regret over the traumatic events and urged residents to exercise patience as South Sudan and Uganda continue talks aimed at peacefully resolving the matter.

The County Police Inspector, Colonel Nathaniel Mawa, confirmed that calm has been restored following a de-escalation agreement between security leaders from both countries reached on 29th July.

Meanwhile, Hon. Muki Batali, speaking on behalf of the local elders, said his visit to the disputed area had been in response to a formal invitation from Ugandan authorities for a peace dialogue. He expressed disappointment that violence erupted while peaceful talks were being organised.

The County Security Coordinator, Mr. Godfrey Data Rembe, assured the displaced families that the government had not forgotten its responsibility and was actively pursuing a diplomatic solution.

However, the situation remains urgent. Mr. Mogga Charles, Secretary of the County Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, described the humanitarian conditions as dire. He said preliminary assessments had been completed and warned that the number of displaced people could rise unless swift humanitarian intervention is made.